Like Humans, Dolphins Have Friends and Complex Social Networks

It turns out that humans aren't the only ones that have friends. Scientists have found that dolphins form highly complex and dynamic networks of friends that determine how they mingle and with whom they spend their time.

In this latest study, the researchers conducted intensive photo-ID surveys along the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. In all, the scientists conducted these surveys over a six-and-a-half year period, which revealed a bit more about the association patterns and movement behavior of 200 individual dolphins.

"One of the more unique aspects of our study was the discovery that the physical dimensions of the habitat, the long, narrow lagoon system itself, influenced the spatial and temporal dynamics of dolphin association patterns," said Elizabeth Murdoch Titcomb, one of the researchers, in a news release. "For example, communities that occupy the narrowest stretches of the Indian River Lagoon have the most compact social networks, similar to humans who live in small towns and have fewer people with whom to interact."

The new research also reveals a bit more about how dolphins organize themselves, who they interact with and who they avoid, as well as when and where they do so. This, in turn, gives scientists insight into understanding how dolphin populations perceive and use their environment.

The findings are important for targeted conservation efforts. In addition, scientists may be able to use this information to see how social networks may influence breeding behavior and disease transmission. Like humans, it seems as if dolphins cluster into communities and occupy discrete areas.

The findings are published in the journal Marine Mammal Science.

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